Step Inside a California Designer's Laidback and Layered Home

Designer Kendra Nash has been creating organic, energetic spaces for her clients for more than 15 years, so when she was finally ready to renovate her own place in San Carlos, California, she had more than a few ideas. “I’d been stockpiling them and couldn’t wait to get started,” she says. “Now I bring clients here to show them what’s possible,” she says. It’s proof of concept!

Read on to get inspired by all her laidback and layered design ideas.

First, she and her husband, Jared, a chef, added a second story to their bungalow to make more space for friends and family. (They have two kids, Millie, 11, and Briggs, 7. ) “Then I started doing all the things my clients never let me do!” she says.

That included mirrors hung in front of windows, layers (and layers) of pattern and an all-black exterior. "The siding is black burned and brushed Accoya wood. I fell in love as soon as I saw a sample — it has so much character and depth," says Kendra.

“This drop zone is the only way we remember anything on our way out,” says Kendra. The walls look like wallpaper, but they’re actually painted using a stencil from Etsy and a mauve-y pink color (Soul Mate by Benjamon Moore) to match the front door.

Kendra chose a Lee Industries sectional covered in a performance fabric that will hold up to heavy use. “We watch a lot of sports in this room — we’re big 49ers and UCLA basketball fans — and this will wear well and withstand spills,” she says. The wide doorway to the backyard is also great for entertaining. “The kids are always in and out. It’s California living.” For pattern, she added ikat chairs from Anthropologie and a rug by Loloi.

As a chef, Jared had lots of say in this room. “He got the Wolf range, and dishwasher and refrigeration drawers, but I had to veto stainless-steel counters!” says Kendra. (They picked Calacatta marble.) The cabinets are raw white oak with a custom black stain. “People are afraid black cabinets will make a room dark but it’s quite bright in here,” she says. The counter stools are from Lulu and Georgia with cushions covered in fabric by St. Frank.

Kendra continued layering patterns and neutral tones in her bedroom: The leather nightstand is from Made Goods, the rattan headboard is from Häti Home and the wool rug is from Lulu and Georgia. The sheer Mokum drapes are unlined for an ethereal look; white blackout shades underneath keep the light out for sleeping! "A bedroom can and should appeal to both partners. Finding that balance saves marriages!" Kendra says.

The couple sacrificed closet space for a bigger bathroom, and because the house is surrounded by trees, large windows were a no-brainer. Kendra had a hunch that the mirrors would look great in front of them. “It was something I saw on a trip to France and I really wanted to try it,” she says. The floor tiles are by Akdo.

Bench nooks were a must-have for both kids’ rooms because Kendra grew up with one and loved it. “They use them for reading — and they hide their candy stashes in the drawers!” Kendra gave her daughter two paint and fabric combinations and let her choose. (She chose Bistro Blue and Lavender Secret by Benjamin Moore.) The wallpaper is by York.